I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
